The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority ZICTA has announced a series of decisive regulatory actions aimed at addressing poor mobile network service quality and ensuring reliable, accessible, and future-ready communication services for all citizens. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at ZICTA headquarters, attended by the chief executives of major telecom and infrastructure providers, including Airtel, MTN, Z-Mobile, ZamTel, IHS, and Infratel.
ZICTA Director General, Eng. Collins Mbulo, emphasized that improving network performance is now a national priority. He noted that inadequate service quality has disrupted daily life, hindered productivity, and weakened public confidence in digital services. To tackle these issues, ZICTA issued binding directives requiring mobile network operators and tower companies to make immediate investments in expanding coverage and upgrading infrastructure, especially in underserved rural areas.
The directives also demand that all hub sites be fitted with robust backup power systems to guarantee uninterrupted operations during outages. Infratel and IHS were given 21 days to present concrete, time-bound action plans to enhance redundancy across communication towers, with the warning that noncompliance would trigger regulatory penalties.
